Skin care, barrier creams and moisturisers
Skin care for aged care, continence care and home care: barrier creams that protect skin from moisture and incontinence, and moisturisers for dry, fragile skin. MEC stocks 3M Cavilon Durable Barrier Cream, MoliCare skin barrier cream and protection foam, Medline Remedy Phytoplex, David Craig sorbolene cetomacrogol cream, Dermeze Moisture Intensity ointment and single-use white soft paraffin.
Barrier creams and moisturisers
| Product type | Used for | At MEC |
|---|---|---|
| Polymer barrier creams | Protecting skin exposed to urine, faeces or other body fluids. Cavilon Durable Barrier Cream vanishes into the skin, resists wash-off and doesn't clog continence pads, so the skin can still be seen. | Cavilon 92 g, 28 g tube, 2 g sachets |
| Barrier creams for irritated or sensitive skin | Protecting irritated skin from the effects of incontinence. MoliCare Skin barrier cream is zinc-free, so it doesn't reduce pad absorbency; Remedy Phytoplex is formulated for sensitive skin. | MoliCare Skin barrier cream, Medline Remedy Phytoplex Hydraguard |
| Skin protection foam | A light, easy-to-spread foam with panthenol and urea for dry, stressed skin. | MoliCare Skin protection foam |
| Moisturising creams | Everyday moisturising of dry or sensitive skin. Fragrance-free, lanolin-free and non-greasy. | David Craig sorbolene cetomacrogol cream 500 g |
| Ointments and paraffin | Very dry, rough or cracked skin. Greasier formulas that form a protective layer to hold moisture in. | Dermeze Moisture Intensity, sterile white soft paraffin 5 g |
Protecting skin during incontinence care
- Clean the skin gently after each episode with a pH-balanced, no-rinse cleanser or cleansing wipes rather than soap and water.
- Pat the skin dry — don't rub.
- Apply a thin layer of barrier cream to the area at risk, as directed on the pack.
- Choose a well-fitting continence product and change it promptly when wet or soiled — see incontinence products.
For skin around wounds or under tapes and dressings, a no-sting barrier film may suit better — see barrier and skin care.
Important: if skin becomes red, broken, blistered or painful, or a rash doesn't improve, ask a nurse, pharmacist or doctor for advice. Stop using a product if irritation occurs.
Skin care FAQs
What is the difference between a barrier cream and a moisturiser?
A moisturiser adds and holds moisture in dry skin. A barrier cream forms a protective layer that keeps urine, faeces and other moisture off the skin, so it is used on skin at risk of moisture damage.
Can barrier cream be used with continence pads?
Yes, if you choose one designed for it. Cavilon Durable Barrier Cream doesn't clog briefs or absorbent products, and MoliCare Skin barrier cream is zinc-free so pad absorbency isn't affected. Use a thin layer only.
What is sorbolene cream used for?
Sorbolene and cetomacrogol creams are simple, fragrance-free moisturisers for dry and sensitive skin, often used every day in aged care and as a soap alternative.
Ordering skin care for an aged-care facility or care team? Contact our team for volume pricing. See also body care and cleansing.